Do It Yourself (DIY) Divorce in Florida
Filing for Divorce in Florida or Georgia? Consider our DIY Divorce Services
While many divorces require an expensive and lengthy court battle, that does not always have to be the case. If you and your spouse are on the same page when it comes to the terms of your divorce, our Lake County DIY divorce services could be right for you. We offer a documents-only package for just $500, which includes everything you need to file for divorce in Florida and Georgia, as well as lawyer coaching.
On this page, you can find information about DIY divorces. If you have any questions about your situation and whether our services would be advantageous, do not hesitate to contact us. Since 2004, we have helped numerous families navigate the divorce process with our client-focused and results-driven approach.
Connect with the Law Offices of Jason G. Smith today by reaching out online or calling our Lake County office at (407) 634-2784. If you would like to reach our Newnan, Georgia office, you can call (678) 498-5270.
What Is DIY Divorce?
It is the process of spouses handling their divorce with minimal assistance from an attorney if any at all. A DIY divorce is a cost-effective and speedy option for spouses who can agree on the major terms of their divorce such as division of assets and child custody arrangements.
DIY Divorce in Florida and Georgia
Florida allows spouses to handle a divorce by themselves through a process called “simplified dissolution of marriage.” Parties can typically finalize their divorce within 30 days of filing. In Georgia, spouses can also handle divorces by themselves. This process can take anywhere between 31 days and a couple of months before it is finalized. Both states provide a similar list of qualifications that spouses must meet to be eligible for a DIY divorce.
They are as follows:
- One party in the divorce must have lived in their respective states for at least six months.
- Both parties must agree that their marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
- Parties must reach a consensus about the terms of their divorce, which could involve developing a child custody arrangement or determining how to apportion assets.
Although DIY divorces in Florida allow spouses to avoid court proceedings, they must still appear before a judge. During that meeting, the judge will check that the spouses have submitted the required paperwork, then sign off on the divorce. Once this happens, they can take the last step toward finalizing the divorce and deliver the paperwork to the circuit clerk.
In Georgia, whether parties must appear before a judge to finalize their DIY divorce varies by county. In Coweta County, where our Newnan office is located, parties typically do not have to appear in court to complete the divorce process.
Why a Lawyer Is Still Important During DIY Divorces
While you can expedite your divorce by taking the DIY route, the legal process is still complex. This is where the Law Offices of Jason G. Smith comes in. With our Lake County DIY divorce services, you get access to crucial legal guidance that can ensure you complete and submit the correct paperwork.
Not only that, but with our lawyer coaching you can get legal advice during the divorce process, so you can avoid pitfalls that would complicate or extend it. We can also help you protect your rights and make sure the terms of your divorce are fair. Should anything go awry and you must settle your divorce in court, having an existing connection with our offices can make it simpler to get the assistance of our experienced family law attorney.
To get everything you need for your DIY divorce in Florida or Georgia, all you have to do is contact us.